"A few weeks ago I started feeling pain and pressure in my pelvic region, and now the pain is traveling down the inside of my leg, making it hard to work (I have a desk job with the Marine Corps). My doctor says I have SPD — what can you tell me about that?"

When you enlist in the pregnancy corps, your tour of duty is sure to include at least some activity on the pelvic front. But it sounds like you're experiencing more than you signed up for.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction, or SPD, is a relatively common (but uncommonly painful) pregnancy condition. It's caused by a relaxation of the ligaments that normally keep the two sides of the pelvic bone tightly bound together at the symphysis pubis, the joint in the pubic area. (The culprit here is the hormone relaxin, which softens those joints to give baby an easier path out into the world.)

Sometimes, the ligaments loosen too much and quite early in pregnancy (symptoms may start around the middle of pregnancy) causing instability in the pelvic joint. One side might shift more than the other when you're walking or moving your legs — especially if you separate them, as you would to get in and out of your car, walk up a flight of stairs or get dressed — causing a world of hurt. (In rarer cases, the joint may gape apart noticeably — a condition called diastasis symphysis pubis). Bearing any weight, in fact — or even trying to roll over in bed — can cause tremendous pain in the pelvis (the pubic bone will be sore to the touch), groin, hips and sometimes the buttocks. The pain can travel down the inner thighs, and you may feel a clicking or grinding when you move. And standing on one leg? Agony.

Pelvic support belts, which corset the bones back into place, can offer relief. Pelvic exercises like Kegels and pelvic tilts can also strengthen the muscles of the pelvis to help stabilize those floppy bones. Sitting down to get dressed, taking steps one at a time and avoiding heavy lifting and pushing may help. If the pain is severe enough, ask your practitioner about physical therapy, chiropractic therapies and safe pain relievers (though don't take any medications unless specifically prescribed by your practitioner). Rest assured, once your baby is born, your relaxin production will cease and the joint should firm up again, easing your discomfort.

Here's to your pain going AWOL,

Written by Heidi Murkoff

Heidi Murkoff is the creator of the world’s best-selling pregnancy and parenting series, What to Expect, that began with What to Expect When You’re Expecting. She is also the creator of WhatToExpect.com and founder of the What to Expect Foundation.

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What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.